High end carbon frame with 58cm top tube + short wheelbase

PieterM

I am in the market for a new high end carbon frameset to build up a super light climbing bike. It will be used mainly for long rides in the Alps, including sportives.

I will need an effective top tube of appr. 58cm, but prefer to have a short wheelbase (no more than 100cm) because I like that for quick steering on switchback descents. For the same reason (descending), I would like very high front end stiffness.

I have been looking into the 2010 Trek Madone 6.9 but according to the distributor it is not available in size 58 (which has a 57.5cm effective top tube) for a while as a frameset only.

Can anyone recommend a high end frameset that fits these requirements?

greasedscotsman

I know that Spesh make there carbon frames with a 58.2cm top tube, not sure what the wheelbase is though. Also Giant might be worth checking out. I'm in the same position as you, I like to ride with a 58cm TT, but they are so difficult to find. I've had both Spesh and Giant carbon frames, so maybe have a look at either of those?

Chip \'oyler

You can get a carbon frame built to the spec you want by Viner

http://www.velocitybikes.co.uk/index.asp?upid=35&msid=3

http://www.lebeauvelo.co.uk/Products%20 ... 0Home.html

http://www.downlandcycles.co.uk/viner.htm

Anonymous

58 Cervelo S2/S3 has 58cm top tube and approx 100cm wheelbase.

The Scott Addict comes with a 58cm TT, not sure on wheelbase.

Cannondale Super Six Hi Mod - 58cm TT 99.6cm wheelbase. Bloody light too!

huuregeil

Time. From memory (I know because I looked at their geometry and unfortunately decided they don't fit me!), they tend to run pretty tight clearances and steep angles, thus shorter wheelbases. I'd be very surprised if you'd find a top-end Time frame lacking in the stiffness stakes, they're meant to be extremely stiff and quick handling.

Edit: a XL VXR has a TT of 58cm, angles of 73 and 73.5 degrees, and a wheelbase of 995mm. So spot on for you!

Edit 2: I lust for a Time, really gutted they don't fit!! Look like really superb frames and you don't see too many of them around. (At least not outside of France).

PieterM

Thanks for the replies. This is a difficult one since a lot of manufactureres don't quote wheelbase in their geometry charts. Some interesting suggestions from you all. I really like the Viner custom-made frameset, but on their website it says that the frame weights are 'from 1050g'. I guess that would mean for a large frame like I would need it could be quite a bit more. The Specialized SL3 has a 1008mm wheelbase The Cannondale HiMod fits the bill but is not available until early June according to the UK distributor The Addict and VXR have been around for a while and are proven frames but I'd preferably go for a more recently released frameset. I have also looked at the Giant TCR SL but don't really fancy the compact look. Any other suggestions?

Chip \'oyler

PieterM wrote:

Thanks for the replies. This is a difficult one since a lot of manufactureres don't quote wheelbase in their geometry charts. Some interesting suggestions from you all. I really like the Viner custom-made frameset, but on their website it says that the frame weights are 'from 1050g'. I guess that would mean for a large frame like I would need it could be quite a bit more. The Specialized SL3 has a 1008mm wheelbase The Cannondale HiMod fits the bill but is not available until early June according to the UK distributor The Addict and VXR have been around for a while and are proven frames but I'd preferably go for a more recently released frameset. I have also looked at the Giant TCR SL but don't really fancy the compact look. Any other suggestions?

The new Viner Maxima RS is from 950gr. But, 1050gr isn't that heavy :shock: How much do you want the bike to weigh? It makes sense going up the hills, but you've got to come down them afterwards! And that's when a perfectly fitted, balanced frame comes into its own. Bottom line is that Viner will build you want you want.

Ands

The SL3 is reviewed by Marcel Wust in the new edition of Pro Cycling. (He took it on a twisty descent and described it as impressively fast, with impressive steering, great fun on sharp corners. I won't quote the whole article as you'd be better off reading it yourself but he did call out the incredible stiffness, remarkably balanced geometry, great handling.)

(Mr Ands has an SL3 and it is indeed super-light.)

rolf_f

Not sure how close either of these are:

http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/images/geometry-585o.pdf
http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/images/geometry-585.pdf

Just ordered an Optimum. In the larger sizes, the frames aren't very compact in shape and the weight is sub 1kg.

Mind you, they don't really fit the 'recently issued frameset' requirement

APIII

Pinarello Prince has a 57.5cm top tube. It does everything well! The looks polarise opinion, but I love mine.
I know you've discounted the Time, but the VXRS is very highly regarded for climbing. Despite the introduction of the newer RXR, NXR and Vibraser, it's still holding it's place in the line up, so it can't be bad.

incog24

How about a Storck? Not massively taken with the looks personally, but fit the bill.

Brian B

2nd the Storck. Handles the road like glue due its wheel base and rigid frame. I am biased though as an owner but M Wurst gave them rave reviews in Procycling. Look great in the flesh and always turns heads at events.

Anonymous

Is there any bike Wust didn't give a rave review of?

Ands

NapoleonD wrote:

Is there any bike Wust didn't give a rave review of?

that's a minor point....totally irrelevant.

strodey

Giant defy advanced,?

incog24

strodey wrote:

Giant defy advanced,?

OP wants a short wheel base, so a TCR if a Giant.

huuregeil

Thinking custom again, Cyfac? Look like stunning bikes, albeit with a price tag to match!!

JesseD

How about buying the Dale as a complete bike and then seeling all the components individually and retaining the frame. Might work out cheaper to as frame and forkls only from 'dale are usually tres expensive.

I've ridden a hi mod in 58cm and it really is an amazing bike, so responsive yet solid going down hill and light as hell for the inclines. I've got a six-13 in 58cm and when I can afford it will upgrade to the Super-Six Hi Mod.